Progressive AE has hired expert Suzanne Schulz, AICP, as the firm’s first urban planning practice leader. In her role, Schulz will develop and grow Progressive AE’s urban planning expertise while leading local, state and national clients.

Schulz brings more than 27 years of experience and knowledge to this role. Most recently, she served as the Managing Director of Design and Development for the City of Grand Rapids. In her nearly 20 years with the City, she was extensively involved in project management for community-led processes, including the Vital Streets Plan and Design Guidelines, the Division Avenue Development Plan for Michigan’s first Bus Rapid Transit system, the Grand Rapids Driving Change Bicycle Safety Education Program, the River Corridor Plan, and the Michigan Street Corridor Plan and Implementation.

Schulz is a pursued public speaker and has served as a presenter and guest lecturer at the American Planning Association’s national conference,  the Sustainable City Planning Conference, Central European University Business School, the GOVERNING Michigan Leadership Forum, Kettering Foundation, University of Minnesota, Yale University and the International Downtown Association, among others.

Schulz received her Bachelor of Science degree in urban planning from Michigan State University.